Our community agrees with Mayor Kenney, that the senseless shooting of Officer Jesse Hartnett cannot be justified by any religion. We are united with our fellow Philadelphians and decry this and all senseless violence and urge that we do more to prevent the proliferation of guns on our streets.

Our Mosque and community join with the rest of our City in praying for the speedy recovery of Officer Hartnett.

CAIR hosted a workshop at Al-Aqsa Islamic Society to help Muslim participants understand how to address anti-Islamic sentiment. The workshop was facilitated by the very dynamic and engaging Iftekhar Hussein who provided understanding of Islamic texts and strategies to break down barriers between neighbors, coworkers, and the extended community.

Understanding the proper meaning of Islamic texts and finding ways to engage non-Muslims was the main message of this five-hour workshop. Participants asked many questions and were actively engaged in the discussion.

This vigil included spoken prayers from a rabbi, imam and pastor, expressing support for all refugees—and Muslims under siege in the media after terrorist attacks falsely attributed to Islam—and to end fear mongering and xenophobia rampant in our society.

There was time for silent prayer during the vigil, whereby the group walked and sang into the Ethical Society for the UNAGP program.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation, Grannies for Peace, and New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia.

My words cannot express my deepest gratitude to all of the people who have supported us. Phone messages, texts, e-mails, flowers–all have overwhelmed us with your caring. We have always been proud to be American and this week I saw–again– the America that I love, always believed in, that which our forefathers have meant it to be–one nation, under god.

I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart and thank all of the individuals and organizations who have supported us in this difficult time. It has meant so much to us.

To My Fellow Muslims World-Wide:

I am seizing this opportunity to speak to all of you, to say emphatically, that in the US we have the freedom to practice our religion which we never had back home. This is, indeed, the country of freedom. To those who are taking up arms to fight in their self declared war there is the strong admonition from our Prophet (sal.):

“Do not cut down any tree, nor kill any woman, child, sick person, doctor or old man. Do not destroy any place of worship nor slaughter any animal unless it is to be eaten. Do not force anyone to be a Muslim. Do not kill any monk, priest or rabbi from any denomination. Do not mutilate the body nor destroy buildings. If you take a prisoner he is to be treated well. It is best to forgive and to forget those who have fought against you.”

If you want to learn your religion, this is the Prophet’s (sal.) statement. How can you kill innocent men, women or children?

To My American Muslim brothers and sisters who are recent immigrants:

When we raise our hands to take the oath of allegiance to the United States of America, to support the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, we as Muslims cannot break our oath. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (sal.) never broke his oath. We are obligated as a part of our religion to uphold the laws of this land and become good citizens. The oath of a Muslim is a sacred duty. It cannot be broken.

KENSINGTON (WPVI) — There was a message of unity Saturday at the Picnic for Solidarity at the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society. Hundreds of people of all faiths gathered for food, fellowship and understanding. The pot-luck gathering aimed to counter the anti-Islamic sentiment since the terror attacks in Paris and California.

Programs at Al-Aqsa

The Al-Aqsa Islamic Society condemns and stands United with the Jewish Community in Pittsburgh

The Al-Aqsa Islamic society and school are horrified and condemn the barbaric shootings that happened on Saturday at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We offer our heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Jewish community in Pittsburgh—an attack on one house of worship is an attack on all.

People of faith should stand united and condemn this act as well as all acts of religious inspired bigotry and violence—We also urge our elected officials and in particular our President to understand that words have consequences. The values of our country should be to welcome the stranger, minorities and oppressed, not vilify them.

This is a community series event and Al Aqsa is one of the locations. For those interested, there will be childcare and food provided. We encourage participants to attend all four sessions if possible. Participants will be compensated $75 for their time as well! Sign up at the link below. If you have […]

Ladies Nite at Al Aqsa! Paint nite for girls and women. Take the opportunity to make it a mother and daughter event! Enjoy some light refreshments and follow the direction of our skilled instructors. Please visit the link to register and pay on the http://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAlpQLSeRhMFFyWU8-mAe80FiVkoW5KAwd9ltDVqAr7E5pVJklSozzg/viewform Seating is limited and is first come first serve bases. […]

It is that time of the year again where we hold our annual peace walk. This year marks our 15th year and we hope that you can join us! For those who would like to start the walk from Al-Aqsa, parking will be available. Members of the community and those who would like to participate […]

Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy

Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy is a full-time private Islamic school offering classes from Kindergarten-10th grade. We aim to provide an Islamic environment for all students, enabling them to acquire academic excellence and Islamic morals to prepare them to become viable individuals able to meet the challenges of our changing world.Click for more information...

Al-Aqsa in the News

Arab American CDC

The Arab American CDC works with Al-Aqsa to help assist the community with various social services such as helping aquire low income utility assistance, government benefits, tax returns, immigration, legal services, youth programs, affordable housing and much more. The AACDC office is conveniently located in the mosque. For more information, contact office manager Amna Ahmad (215)765-0607 or visit www.arabamericancdc.org